This invention provides a lens assembly for a vision system, allowing for a constant magnification at various focal distances. The lens assembly resides movably/adjustably along the optical axis relative to the sensor. In an embodiment, the lens assembly includes a fixed rear lens and a front lens that is moved mechanically to focus the object image on the image sensor. The lens assembly can alternatively include a liquid lens that is controlled to adjust magnification with respect to a fixed front lens so as to maintain a constant system magnification. The liquid lens resides between the (fixed) front lens assembly and the image sensor and can be controlled to focus the image onto the image sensor.
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1. A vision system for acquiring images of objects over a range of focal distances within a field of view comprising:
an image sensor operatively connected to a vision processor; and
a constant magnification lens assembly oriented along an optical axis that receives light from a scene and transmits the light to the image sensor, wherein the constant magnification lens assembly comprises a front lens assembly and a rear lens assembly, wherein the front lens assembly comprises a first lens having a focal length f1 and the rear lens assembly comprises a second lens having a focal length f2 such that f1>f2 and a shift in focal position of the constant magnification lens assembly is proportional to (f1/f2)2* (a distance associated with movement of the constant magnification lens assembly along the optical axis), wherein a front lens of the front lens assembly being smaller than the field of view with respect to at least one dimension,
an aperture stop of the constant magnification lens assembly is between a back surface of the front lens assembly and a back focal point of the front lens assembly.
7. A method for acquiring images of an object over a range of focal distances within a field of view comprising the steps of:
providing the object within the field of view at a distance of at least 350 mm from a front lens assembly of a constant magnification lens assembly, wherein the constant magnification lens assembly comprises a rear lens assembly, wherein the front lens assembly comprises a first lens having a focal length f1 and the rear lens assembly comprises a second lens having a focal length f2 such that f1>f2 and a shift in focal position of the constant magnification lens assembly is proportional to (f1/f2)2* (a distance associated with movement of the constant magnification lens assembly along the optical axis), wherein a front lens of the front lens assembly being smaller than the field of view with respect to at least one dimension;
iteratively adjusting the constant magnification lens assembly having a magnification of 0.2 until the object achieves a desired focus at an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor and the constant magnification lens assembly oriented along an optical axis that receives light from a scene and transmits the light to the image sensor.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/745,927, filed Dec. 26, 2012, entitled CONSTANT MAGNIFICATION LENS FOR VISION SYSTEM CAMERA, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
This invention relates to machine vision systems and more particularly to optics for use in handheld symbology readers, and methods for use of such optics.
Vision systems that perform measurement, inspection, alignment of objects and/or decoding of symbology (e.g. bar codes) are used in a wide range of applications and industries. These systems are based around the use of an image sensor, which acquires images (typically grayscale or color, and in one, two or three dimensions) of the subject or object, and processes these acquired images using an on-board or remote, interconnected vision system processor. The processor generally includes both processing hardware and non-transitory computer-readable program instructions that perform one or more vision system processes to generate a desired output based upon the image's processed information. This image information is typically provided within an array of image pixels each having various colors and/or intensities. In the example of a symbology (barcode) reader, the user or automated process acquires an image of an object that is believed to contain one or more barcodes. The image is processed to identify barcode features, which are then decoded by a decoding process and/or processor obtain the inherent alphanumeric data represented by the code. In other types of vision systems, various vision system tools (e.g. edge detectors, calipers, blob analysis) are employed by the system processor to detect edges and other features that allow for recognition of object features, and the determination of desired information based upon these features—for example whether the object is defective or whether it is properly aligned.
In a vision system, a key component is the vision system camera assembly. The camera assembly includes a lens (optics) and an imager (or “sensor”) that provides the array of image pixel information. The vision system processor, as described above, receives the pixel data from the imager/sensor and processes it to derive useful vision system information about the imaged scene and/or object. The vision system processor and related components (e.g. data memory, decoders, etc.) can be provided within the camera assembly's housing or enclosure, or some or all of these components can be mounted remotely (e.g. within a PC, or other remote, self-contained processing system), and linked by a wired or wireless interconnect. Likewise, the camera assembly can include an on-board (internal) illuminator that typically surrounds the lens, and/or another illumination arrangement that provides light to the imaged scene.
In some vision system cameras, it is desirable to provide an automatic focus (“auto-focus”) capability. Many auto-focus arrangements rely upon electromechanical actuation to move a fixed lens, while others increasingly rely upon other forms of varioptic lens designs, such as a so-called liquid-lens.
In the particular field of symbology reading using sensor-based vision systems, a common reader arrangement employs a handheld unit that is directed at an object containing a symbol (e.g. a 1D or 2D barcode). Such handheld systems are commonly employed to track inventory, for example in a warehouse or factory floor. In such environments, the distance between a symbol and the reader can be highly variable, as some objects can reside relatively close to a user, while others are disposed at a distance (e.g. an object located on a high shelf). While a ready may include a conventional auto-focus mechanism to allow it to generate a sharp image of both the close object and the far object, the symbol in the far object can appear small relative to the overall field of view given this long focal distance as the opening angle of the optics is too large. As such, the small size of the symbol in the overall image may render it difficult to properly decode due to lack of sufficient resolution when compared to the overall field that is captured by the sensor (i.e. the feature of interest/symbol is too small at distance).
It is therefore desirable to provide a vision system camera assembly that can more effectively resolve a symbol or other feature of interest at both short focal distances and long focal distance. This camera assembly should be adaptable to a handheld device and/or to a fixed-mount device.
This invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art by providing a lens assembly for a vision system, such as a handheld symbology reader, which allows for a constant magnification at both short and long focal distances. The lens assembly resides movably and/or adjustably along the optical axis at a predetermined distance from the image sensor (located generally perpendicular to the axis). In an illustrative embodiment, the lens assembly consists of two lenses L1 and L2 separated from each other along an optical axis. In embodiments, L1 and L2 can be represented by groups of lenses. The two lenses L1 and L2 define respective focal lengths f1 and f2. The lenses satisfy the following relationships: (a) the focal points of L1 and L2 coincide; (b) the aperture stop of the assembly is between the back surface of L1 and the focal point of L1; (c) the magnification of the assembly is constant and equal to f2/f1; and (d) the shift in focal position of the assembly is (f1/f2)2*(movement of the assembly along the optical axis). In an embodiment, the lens is moved to a selected position along the optical axis, and with respect to the sensor, by an actuator (e.g. a geared stepper or servo motor). The actuator moves in response to commands from the vision processor that employs a conventional or custom auto-focus process to resolve a sharp image of the feature of interest (e.g. a symbol) on an object at the prevailing focal distance. The feature of interest will appear at approximately the same resolution at each of a maximum and minimum focal distance and at all ranges therebetween. The sensor's inherent pixel resolution is sufficient at the range of operating distances to provide sufficient detail to identify and decode the symbol.
In an illustrative embodiment, a vision system for acquiring images of objects over a range of focal distances within a field of view includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision processor. A constant magnification lens assembly, oriented along an optical axis, and including a front lens assembly, receives light from a scene and transmits the light to the image sensor. The front lens assembly is smaller in area (or associated dimensions) than an area (or associated dimensions) of the field of view, making of a practical and relatively compact package. The constant magnification lens assembly also includes a rear lens assembly. The front lens assembly and the rear lens assembly are arranged in a fixed spatial relationship therebetween. Illustratively, the front lens assembly and the rear lens assembly are constructed and arranged so that (a) a focal point of the front lens assembly and a focal point of the rear lens assembly coincide, (b) an aperture stop of the constant magnification lens assembly is between a back surface of the front lens assembly and a focal point of the front lens assembly, (c) a magnification of the assembly is constant and equal to a focal length (f2) of the rear lens assembly/a focal length (f1) of the front lens assembly, and (d) the shift in focal position of the assembly is (f1/f2)2*(movement of the constant magnification lens assembly along the optical axis). This arrangement (i.e. item (b)) allows the front lens assembly to define an area and/or dimensions that are smaller than those of the imaged field of view. The front lens assembly and the rear lens assembly can be mounted in a barrel that is moved toward and away from the image sensor by an actuator responsive to a focus process. Alternatively, the constant magnification lens assembly and its components can be fixed with respect to the camera body/frame, and the sensor assembly (or a portion thereof containing the sensor) can be moved toward and away from (along the optical axis) the constant magnification lens assembly by an appropriate actuator in response to the focus process.
In an illustrative embodiment, a vision system for acquiring images of an object over a range of focal distances within a field of view comprises an image sensor operatively connected to a vision processor. A constant magnification lens assembly is oriented along an optical axis that receives light from a scene and transmits the light to the image sensor. The constant magnification lens assembly includes a liquid lens assembly oriented between the image sensor and a front lens assembly. This lens assembly can be based upon the use of at least two iso-density liquids that vary interaction based upon the principle of electro wetting, or the lens can include an actuator that changes the shape of a liquid-filled membrane. The front lens assembly comprises one or more fixed lenses, and the (rear) liquid lens assembly including an interface that employs input electrical energy to vary a magnification m2 of the liquid lens assembly. A controller selectively adjusts the magnification m2 of the liquid lens assembly to maintain focus on the object at a constant system magnification M at each focal distance of the range of focal distances. Illustratively, the front lens assembly and the rear lens assembly are constructed and arranged so that (a) a focal point of the front lens assembly and a front principal plane of the liquid lens assembly coincide, and (b) the magnification is constant and equal to a ratio between the distance (d2) from the liquid lens assembly to the image sensor and the distance (d1) between the front lens assembly and the liquid lens assembly. The controller is also arranged to iteratively adjust the magnification m2 of the liquid lens assembly until a desired focus at the constant system magnification M is provided.
Illustratively, in any embodiment herein, the front lens assembly and the liquid (or rear) lens assembly are constructed and arranged so that (a) a focal point of the front lens assembly and the front principal plane of the rear lens assembly coincide (d1=f1), (b) an aperture stop of the constant magnification lens assembly is located between a back surface of the front lens assembly and a focal point of the front lens assembly, (c) the magnification is constant and equal to a ratio between the distance (d2) from the liquid lens assembly to the image sensor and the distance (d1) between the front lens assembly and the liquid lens assembly.
In a further embodiment, a method for acquiring images of an object over a range of focal distances within a field of view includes the steps of providing an image sensor operatively connected to a vision processor and a constant magnification lens assembly oriented along an optical axis that receives light from a scene and transmits the light to the image sensor. The constant magnification lens assembly includes a front lens assembly. The constant magnification lens assembly is iteratively adjusted until the object achieves a desired focus at the image sensor.
The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:
I. General Considerations
The reader also includes a lens assembly 150 (shown in phantom behind window 116) that provides for a constant magnification over a range of focal distances. By way of example, an object O1 having a symbol S1 is imaged by the reader 110 with the lens 150 focusing upon a field of view FOV1 in which the symbol S1 occupies a relatively prominent place/scale therewithin. This scale is sufficient to allow sufficient detail for an acceptable ID reading. The focal distance D1 along optical axis OA1 is within an operating range of least approximately 350 mm, and for the purposes of the example is at a distance of approximately 500 mm. Likewise, the reader 110 can be focused (as shown in phantom) on another object O2 located at a significantly shorter focal distance D2 along optical axis OA2 that, for the purposes of the example, is approximately 50 mm. Notably, using the constant magnification lens assembly 150, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, the scale of the second symbol S2 within the associated field of view FOV2 is approximately the same as that of S1 and FOV1. Hence, regardless of distance within a predetermined distance range, the size of the field of view and symbol therewithin remains the same, allowing for sufficient detail to obtain a good read.
With reference to
II. Constant Magnification with Mechanically Driven Lens
Reference is now made to
Note that the placement of the aperture stop at a position defined in item (b) above is advantageous in that the size of the front lens can be smaller in diameter, area, etc., than an area, length, width, etc., the imaged object and associated field of view. Conversely, placement of the aperture elsewhere (e.g. at focal point f1), could necessitate use of a front lens approximately the size of the desired field of view—for example, in the manner of a telecentric lens. Such a large lens is typically disadvantageous where size and placement constraints exist.
Note, it is also expressly contemplated that the depicted lenses L1 and/or L2 can be defined by group(s) of lenses having similar or the same optical power as a single lens element. In various embodiments, such groups of lenses can provide improved correction of optical aberrations relative to single, discrete lens elements. Thus as used herein the term “lens” should be taken broadly to include an arrangement of a plurality of discrete lenses.
One of skill in the art of lens design should understand the construction of a lens assembly that satisfies the above relationships (a)-(d). In an embodiment, the value f2/f1 is approximately 0.1, but other ratios are expressly contemplated. Illustratively, both groups of lenses L1 and L2 define a positive optical power. By way of example, lens L1 can define a focal length between approximately 30 and 60 millimeters and lens L2 can define a focal length between approximately 6 and 10 millimeters. As shown, at a relatively short focal distance FD1 (
To achieve a similarly sized field of view 540 (
With reference now to
The axial position of the lens assembly 150 is determined by the proper focus of the projected image on the sensor 138. In an embodiment, the on-board vision processor 136 includes a focus process 640 that can employ conventional techniques to determine when an image comes into sharp focus. For example, the contrast fall-off at edges in acquired images can be employed. In the focus process 640, the constant magnification lens assembly 150 is moved (in its entirety as a fixed front lens L1, rear lens L2 and aperture stop AS) by the motor 620 through a multiplicity of position steps, and the process 640 determines the best focus position based upon certain metrics in the acquired images. Other techniques for focusing the lens are expressly contemplated—for example, sweeping through lens positions or employing a distance sensor and/or range finder can be employed to determine the distance to the object/imaged scene and move the lend to a predetermined setting. The lens position setting can be based, for example, on a formula or look-up table that uses the sensed distance to determine a lens position setting.
With further reference to
III. Constant Magnification Focus Process
With brief reference to
IV. Constant Magnification using Liquid Lens
An exemplary lens configuration that can be desirable in certain vision system applications is a so-called liquid lens assembly. One form of commercially available liquid lens, available, for example from Varioptic of France, uses two iso-density liquids—oil is an insulator while water is a conductor—and the principle (phenomenon) of electro wetting to vary the optical power setting of the lens. On example provides an 18-diopter (1/focal length) variable range of optical power. The variation of voltage passed through the lens by surrounding circuitry leads to a change of curvature of the liquid-liquid interface, which in turn leads to a change of the focal length of the lens. Some significant advantages in the use of a liquid lens are the lens' ruggedness (it is free of mechanical moving parts), its fast response times, its relatively good optical quality, and its low power consumption and size. The use of a liquid lens can desirably simplify installation, setup and maintenance of the vision system by eliminating the need to manually touch the lens. Relative to other autofocus mechanisms, the liquid lens has extremely fast response times. It is also ideal for applications with reading distances that change from object-to-object (surface-to-surface) or during the changeover from the reading of one object to another object.
A recent development in liquid lens technology is available from Optotune AG of Switzerland. This lens utilizes a movable membrane covering a liquid reservoir to vary its focal distance. This lens advantageously provides a larger aperture than competing designs and operates faster. The focal length/distance of an optical system employing liquid lens technology can be varied within a predetermined range (e.g. 20 diopters) based upon the setting of the liquid lens element. This setting is varied by applying force to the perimeter of the membrane using electromagnetic actuation in accordance with known techniques.
S_2=Sobj/(A1*Sobj−1) (Eq. 1)
By way of non-limiting example, the distance d1 between the respective optical planes of lenses L1L and L2L, and the distance d2 between the optical plane of the liquid lens L2L and image sensor 840 can be fixed. Liquid lens L2L thereby projects this intermediate image onto the sensor 840 if the liquid lens' optical power A_LL is equal to (set to):
A_LL=1/(S_2−d1)+1/d2 (Eq. 2)
The geometrical magnification m1 of the first lens (group) is equal to:
m1=1/(A1*S_obj−1) (Eq. 3)
and the magnification m2 of the second lens (group) is equal to:
m2=1/(A_LL*(S_2−d1)−1) (Eq. 4)
Now the liquid lens L2L is placed into the back focal point of lens L1L, this expression can also be written as d1=1/A1.
Substituting this into the equations (2) and (4), the total magnification M of this system reduces to:
M=m1*m2=d2/d1 (Eq. 5)
where M is the system magnification, m1 is the magnification of the fixed lens group/assembly, m2 is the magnification of the liquid lens group/assembly, d1 is the distance between the respective optical planes of lenses L1L and L2L, and d2 is the distance between the optical plane of the liquid lens L2L and image sensor 840.
Thus, this arrangement produces a constant magnification that is free of dependence on (independent of) the object distance.
Thus, by varying the optical power of L2L (m2), the value of M can be maintained at a predetermined level over varying distances of object from the system (Sobj). The value for m2 can be set using a variety of techniques. The above-described focus process 700 can be used to set m2. That is, the power of the lens L2L can be adjusted incrementally (iteratively) until appropriate focus for the selected constant value for M is achieved for the object 830 at a given distance.
Reference is now made to
Some generalized parameters for an operational example of a constant magnification lens assembly employing a membrane-type liquid lens are shown and described in the Table as follows:
Focal distance of Lens 1
f1 = 100 mm
Closest object distance:
S_near = −200 mm
Largest object distance
S_far = −400 mm
Intermediate Near Image S2
S2_near = 200 mm
Intermediate FAR*Image S2
S2_far = 133.333 mm
Distance between lenses
d1 = f1 mm
L2L to sensor distance
d2 = 20 mm
Focal Length of L2L for Near object
f_ll_near = 16.667 mm
Optical Power of L2L (Diopter)@Near
A_ll_near = 60 diopter
Focal Length of L2L for FAR object
f_ll_far = 12.5 mm
Optical Power of L2L (Diopter)@Far
A_ll_Far = 80 diopter
Required Optical Power Range of L2L
R = 20 diopter
(Diopter)
Magnification at NEAR distance
m1_near = −1
m2_near = 0.2
M_near = m1*m2 = −0.2
Magnification at FAR distance
m1_far = −0.333
m2_far = 0.6
M_far = m1*m2 = −0.2
It should be clear that the vision system with constant magnification lens described herein advantageously allows for acquisition of images of an area of interest at a wide range of focal distances with adequate detail and relatively straightforward adjustment of the lens assembly. This increases acquisition speed as the distance changes between objects, rendering the system highly suited to handheld vision systems and to fixed-mount vision systems (for example in a moving conveyor line) that can encounter objects of different size and shape (with associated differences in focal distance).
The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, as used herein various directional and orientation terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, “down”, “bottom”, “top”, “side”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, and the like are used only as relative conventions and not as absolute orientations with respect to a fixed coordinate system, such as gravity. Moreover, as used herein, the terms “process” and/or “processor” should be taken broadly to include a variety of electronic hardware and/or software based functions and components. Moreover, a depicted process or processor can be combined with other processes and/or processors or divided into various sub-processes or processors. Such sub-processes and/or sub-processors can be variously combined according to embodiments herein. Likewise, it is expressly contemplated that any function, process and/or processor here herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, software consisting of a non-transitory computer-readable medium of program instructions, or a combination of hardware and software. Moreover, while the lens assembly is shown as a unit with at least two spatially fixed lenses, and an external actuator, it is expressly contemplated that additional lenses and/or other optical elements e.g. filters) can be provided in alternate embodiments. Also, the lenses of the lens assembly can be individually actuated by separate actuation devices (or a set of gears linked to a common motor. Additionally, actuation can be achieved by alternative mechanisms, such as a linear motor. Moreover, the lens assembly can be removable and/or include a self-contained actuator that is linked to the camera by an appropriate link. In embodiments employing, for example, a liquid lens element, the positioning of the fixed lens assembly at the front and liquid lens assembly at the rear is illustrative only. Where appropriately sized liquid lens assemblies are available, such can be arranged at the front of the assembly, and a fixed (or other) lens assembly can be located at the rear (i.e. more-adjacent to the image sensor and more-distant from the imaged object/scene). Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.
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